VFL Round 5
Collingwood v Box Hill Hawks
Sunday 10 May
Visy Park

The Box Hill Hawks had no answers to Collingwood’s quick start as they were out- muscled by 56 points at Visy Park.

Collingwood senior players including Chris Dawes (5 goals), Chris Bryan (4 goals) and ruckman Cameron Wood dismantled the Hawks in a powerful display.

Ruthless and greater experienced, Collingwood was better in every department although the Hawks did not give up heart closing the game with a respectable final term.

Collingwood’s forward’s were just too strong both physically and over-head allowing the side to capitalise at every opportunity.

The Hawks had a disappointing opening term kicking only managing a single goal in the 18th minute as Collingwood were unstoppable at the clearances and every opportunity up forward as they cruised to a six goal lead at quarter time.

Strength around the football with extra pressure through tackling and greater run opening options gave the pies the ascendancy.

As the Hawks looked for retribution from their dismal opening term, the team started to make their mark with quick goals through Cameron Pedersen and Beau Muston.

Welcome addition Xavier Ellis to the side this week also provided great run through the defence the Hawks needed. Pederson again kicking truly placed though his 2nd for the quarter in a one-on-one contest as the Hawks still trailed by 7 goals at the break.

Collingwood continued their ominous form in the third breaking the Hawks back kicking 6.2 to Box Hill’s 3.1 extending the lead to a staggering 10 goals. Beau Muston again got himself in the action teamed up with Brent Renouf who continued to fight hard for the Hawks.

As Collingwood looked to run out the game much like they had throughout the contest, Box Hill replied with a respectable final term. Even though goals came to the pies through 2-1 contests running the Hawks ragged in defence. Luke Breust offered resistance to Collingwood’s destructive display kicking 3 goals seeing the Hawks win the final term.

Essentially the sting had already gone out of the game but if not for the Hawks’ resistance the margin could have got even uglier. They played a lot more effective brand of football and outscored the Pies to reduce the whopping 60 point three quarter- time margin, even if it was only by four points. The Hawks midfielders were given more room to run and create with Sam Iles and Xavier Ellis who also played in defense shining in the second half.

Notably, Steve Kenna once again worked tirelessly setting up play through the middle and up forward as the game ran away from the Hawks. Statistically the inside fifty count 52-38 Collingwood’s way showed the different between the two sides.

Again scoring shots 34-13 broke the difference which luckily for the Hawks didn’t spiral the margin which well and truly could have been much uglier.  

The Hawks will be desperate to win next week against Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields.

Winless away from home this season, Box Hill will look to counteract this barrier which exists enabling the side to move back up into the top eight.

Box Hill Hawks: 1.0 / 4.1 / 7.2 / 11.2.68
Collingwood:  6.6 / 9.12 / 15.14 / 18.16.124

Goals: L. Breust 3, C. Pedersen 3, B. Muston 2, J. Kennedy, B. Renouf, L. George

Best: X. Ellis, S. Iles, S. Kenna, B. Muston, L. Breust, L. Markovic